CRESTVIEW — Mia Manganello Day is set for later this month.

The city will honor Mia Manganello with a ceremony April 24 at 10 am at Warrior’s Hall in Crestview.

Manganello, a former Crestview resident, won a bronze medal in the team pursuit speed skating event at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyongchang. It was the first speed skating medal in 16 years for the U.S. women’s team.

The ceremony will include presentations from Okaloosa County and Walker Elementary School. Manganello attended Walker as a child growing up in Crestview. She will also receive a key to the city. The ceremony is open to the public.

“Local school friends of Mia remember being amazed at her speed at the roller rink before she discovered speed skating,” an email from Mayor David Cadle read.

Mia’s Italian Restaurant in Crestview, named after Manganello, was originally owned by her parents, Dominic and Karen Manganello. They sold the restaurant after 13 years and moved to Ocala to further Mia’s training. They are now back in the area and have opened a new restaurant in Valparaiso.

After missing out on qualifying for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Manganello took up professional cycling before returning to speed skating in 2016. She then qualified for the 2018 games at Olympic trials in January.

She placed 22nd in the individual 1,500-meter event, falling short of the medal stand. Nine days later, she was holding an Olympic medal after placing third in the Team Pursuit, edging out the Canadian team by less than half a second.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ceremony to honor hometown Olympian

BAKER — Students at Baker school learned about flag etiquette and participated in a flag retirement ceremony this week.

The April 11 Junior ROTC event also honored seniors in the program with certificates from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary group.

JROTC students learned about the U.S. flag code, including how to properly handle and fold an American flag. They then took part in a retirement ceremony for flags that were deemed unfit for use.

“Ninety percent of (the flags) came from Bay County,” Sharon Justiss, youth coordinator for the Bay County VFW, said. “The others, the cadets collected from churches, local businesses, local resident themselves. They went around and collected them.”

The U.S. flag code states that when a flag is no longer fit for service that it be “destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.”

Anna Miner, adjutant for the Bay County VFW, led classes on the flag code. Students learned proper ways to display the flag, how a representation of the flag may be worn and acceptable ways to fold and store the flag.

A brief ceremony was then held to honor graduating seniors who had completed the JROTC program. A total of 15 Baker students received certificates of appreciation.

The event was also attended by Bay County VFW Commander Susan Johnson and President Katherine Dye. Representatives from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Baker Fire Department were also in attendance.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker junior officers retire flags

CRESTVIEW — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — Upcoming North Okaloosa County events and surrounding area activities are as follows.

SPRING CRAFT DEMO PARTY: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11, Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 4th St., Laurel Hill. Cost is $5 per person. RSVP by contacting April Gibson Tucker, 902-0937 (call or text). Event listed on meetup.com as Laurel Hill Arts n Crafts and on Facebook at Stokes-Gibson Farm. 

PLANT CLINIC: 9 a.m. to noon April 13, Extension Annex, 127 Hollywood Blvd., Fort Walton Beach.Okaloosa County Master Gardeners wil inspect attendees' plant problem and answer gardening questions. Bring a sample of the problem plant in a plastic bag for assessment; or take a picture with your phone and bring that if the plant or tree is too large to bring.

VEGETABLE GARDENING WORKSHOP: 10-11 a.m. April 18, County Annex building, 127 Hollywood Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. Linda Timothy of Destin presents. Learn to create raised bed gardening beds for lettuce, broccoli, and many varieties of beans, okra, eggplant, tomatoes and herbs and her favorite gardening tool. Free event. Call 689-5850 to reserve a seat.

IMPACT 100 GRANT WORKSHOP FOR NON-PROFITS: 8:30 a.m. to noon April 19 at the fellowship hall of Grace Lutheran Church, 4325 Commons Drive W, Destin. Registration ends April 12. The organization is taking applications for Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Recreation projects. The form is online at www.imapctnwf.org.

SPRING FAM JAM: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21 in the amphitheatre at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Family and music festival with arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, a color run, and other activities. Proceeds benefit Autism Spectrum of the Emerald Coast. www.springfamjam.com or ASEC, 496-3062.

ARTISTS WANTED: The annual Laurel Hill Arts & Heritage Festival is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 28. Artists, crafters, cottage food makers and historic re-enactors and heritage organizations will be at this year's festival. There is no charge for 10-by-10 booth spaces, though a $10 donation is requested for the sound technician. No company salespeople, please. Contact Brian Hughes at 682-2835 or brian_abroad@yahoo.com for more information.

CRESTVIEW FOOTBALL, CHEER REGISTRATION: The Crestview Area Youth Association is registering children ages 5-14 for football and cheerleading. Discounts are available for siblings. Registration costs $110 February through April. A payment plan is available. Visit www.cayafootball.org for registration and details. CAYA is not affiliated with the Hub City Bulldogs.

CARVER-HILL SCHOLARSHIP: Applications for Carver-Hill Memorial & Historical Society's first annual scholarship award are available at area high schools, local churches and the Carver-Hill Museum, 899 McClelland St., Crestview. Applications should be postmarked by the May 1 deadline. Details: Tonsiaweda Hayes, dstsechayest@cox.net, 850-621-4187; Caroline Ferguson, cbferguson4@yahoo.com, 973-432-4829; and David Wheeler, dwheels50@cox.net, 850-685-1698.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall. 

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

GOVERNMENT ISSUES COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. April 11, chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Guest speaker: Teresa Gaillard, Growth Management director for the City of Crestview.

RIBBON CUTTING: noon April 11, chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive. Celebrating "Vacations Designed for You" Cruise Planners.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5:30 p.m. April 12, 502 Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview. Hosted by White Sands Podiatry. Catering by Pounders, and adult beverages for those 21 and older.

AMBASSADORS 'LET'S DO LUNCH': 11:30 a.m. April 17, Cracker Barrel, Crestview. This is a "pay your own way" event with all menu items will be offered. RSVP to ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com.

RIBBON CUTTING: 4 p.m. April 17, Gulf Coast Home Health, 2207 Ferdon Blvd. S, Crestview. Celebrating the organization's new location.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. April 25, Crestview chamber, 1447 Commerce Drive. Amber Ellis, ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com.

HEALTH FAIR: Visit the events tab at www.crestviewchamber.com or call 682-3212 to sponsor or purchase a booth for the chamber's 2018 Annual Health Fair. The event is 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 4 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.

HERITAGE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso.

SATURDAY IN THE PARK FESTIVAL: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 28, Festival includes a 5k run/walk and fun run. Registration is required for the 5k. Vendor space is available. Call 678-2615 for information.

PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY: 5-8 p.m. May 1 and May 8, Heritage Museum. Two-part class by Joy Stoy. Learn to weave longleaf pine into baskets using the original Seminole techniques $60 or $55 for museum members. All materials included. RSVP due to limited space:678-2615.

MOTHER'S DAY VICTORIAN TEA: 2 p.m. May 12, Cost is $20 per person. Attendees will experience a history program about Victorian te etiquette, costume and traditions while sampling a variety of teas and light refreshments. Space is limited. Call 678-2615 to make a reservation.

'CAN YOU DIG IT?' HOME SCHOOL FRIDAY: 1-2:30 p.m. May 18, $7 per student, one adult is free but $3 per additional adult, In "Can You Dig It?" Students will uncover the past and engage their critical thinking skills in a hands-on simulated archaeology dig. Working with a real archaeologist, students will learn the basic principles and techniques of archaeology. 678-2615 to register.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's happening in North Okaloosa County

UPCOMING

EMBROIDERERS GUILD OF AMERICA: 1:30-4:30 p.m. April 22 program, in the Religious Education building of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic  Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd., Niceville. Celebrates various forms of hand embroidery. 496-3466.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 a.m. first Mondays through May 7. Call President Ruth Herington, 683-0839, for non-listed locations at members' homes.

•May 7, member's home, salad luncheon. Bring one to share.

RECURRING　

MONDAYS 

YOUTH NIGHT: 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or fellowship.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 8 p.m. Mondays, the clubhouse at 704 Robinson St., Crestview, for beginners and newcomers. Details: Jerry, 830-6218. www.fwb-area-aa.org.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 a.m. first Mondays, September through May, location to be announced. Details: 683-0839.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Yearly membership: $20.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mt. Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. fourth Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Sit-n-sew and workshop meeting.

CRESTVIEW WRITERS GROUP: 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Monday, Crestview Public Library. Online: http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php.

THE OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN: fourth Mondays. Details: info@occsw.org.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mount Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

TUESDAYS 

CRESTVIEW LIONS CLUB: 7 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Hub City Smokehouse, 168 Main St. S, Crestview. Details: crestviewlions@hotmail.com, secretary Charlotte Jones, 533-9931.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY:

●8 a.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist Church of Garden City, 3140 Haskell-Langley Road, Crestview. Details: Mary Cole, 683-1899.

●5 p.m. weigh-in; meeting starts from 5:25-5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview. Brooke Bratton, 225-8197. www.TOPS.org.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 to report incidents. okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com.

STORY TIME: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy stories and activities, and make a simple craft.

CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO: Quarterly games 4:30-6 p.m.; regular games 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday at 701 James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

BAKER GARDEN CLUB: 10 a.m. first Tuesdays September through May at different locations. Liz Davis, 537-4512.

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP: 1 p.m. first Tuesdays, Wellness Center at Twin Cities Hospital, Niceville. A Registered Nurse is present, and meetings include details of specialty care and product innovations that may be helpful. Details: 389-7071.

CARVER-HILL MEMORIAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 5:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

OPEN MIC POETRY AT THE LIBRARY: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Free event. Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us; Rick Sanders, 585-6399. Read poetry or play music. http://cvwlibrary.tumblr.com/.

SHOAL RIVER REPUBLICAN CLUB: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays of each month at Hideaway Pizza in downtown Crestview. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.

CRESTVIEW TOASTMASTERS: 6-7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Greater Federation of Women's Club building, 150 Woodlawn Drive, Crestview. Visitors are welcome. Details: Kathy Morrow, 974-3662.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 395: 5:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, Carver-Hill Museum, 895 S. McClelland St., Crestview. Cmdr. Raymond Nelson, 420-0706.

NORTH OKALOOSA PATRIOTS: 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, 150 N. Woodlawn Blvd., Crestview. www.panhandlepatriots.com.

WEDNESDAYS

CRESTVIEW KIWANIS CLUB: 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

KNITTING GROUP: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Casbah Coffee Company, 196 Pine Ave. W, Crestview.

PANHANDLE SADDLE CLUB: 6 p.m. first Wednesdays, David’s Catfish House, 1296 N. Ferdon Blvd. Crestview. Includes socializing, dinner and a meeting. November topic: how to keep your horse healthy. Details: Donna Curry, 830-6403 or donna@embarqmail.com.

SONS OF ITALY, CRESTVIEW CHAPTER 2865: 6 p.m. third Wednesdays, Foxwood Country Club, Antioch Road. All people of American-Italian heritage may join. Group president Thomas Hughes, 682-3597, thomasjhughessr@hotmail.com.

THURSDAYS

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m. Thursdays, Crosspoint, in portable 2, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview. For people grieving the death of a loved one or other losses. 678-4411 extension 109.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, 704 E. Robinson Ave., Crestview. 689-1842.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 or email okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com to report incidents.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING: 7 a.m. first Thursdays, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CRESTVIEW: 5:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

FLYING NEEDLES QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Thursdays at Niceville Church of Christ. Visitors and quilters are welcome.

CRESTVIEW PHOTO CLUB: 6:30-8:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Northwest Florida State College Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center, room 306, 805 U.S. Highway 90 E., Crestview.

NORTH OKALOOSA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Call 398-7524 for details.

MAINSTREET CRESTVIEW ASSOCIATION: 8 a.m. third Thursdays, FAMU College of Pharmacy in downtown Crestview. Group improves and promotes Main Street and Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency businesses.

CRESTVIEW EXCHANGE CLUB: fourth Thursdays, Covenant Hospice, Crestview. Sharlene Cox, 682-6824.

FRIDAYS

MONDAYS 

YOUTH NIGHT: 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or fellowship.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 8 p.m. Mondays, the clubhouse at 704 Robinson St., Crestview, for beginners and newcomers. Details: Jerry, 830-6218. www.fwb-area-aa.org.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 a.m. first Mondays, September through May, location to be announced. Details: 683-0839.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Yearly membership: $20.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mt. Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. fourth Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Sit-n-sew and workshop meeting.

CRESTVIEW WRITERS GROUP: 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Monday, Crestview Public Library. Online: http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php.

THE OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN: fourth Mondays. Details: info@occsw.org.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mount Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

TUESDAYS

CRESTVIEW LIONS CLUB: 7 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Hub City Smokehouse, 168 Main St. S, Crestview. Details: crestviewlions@hotmail.com, secretary Charlotte Jones, 533-9931.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY:

●8 a.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist Church of Garden City, 3140 Haskell-Langley Road, Crestview. Details: Mary Cole, 683-1899.

●5 p.m. weigh-in; meeting starts from 5:25-5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview. Brooke Bratton, 225-8197. www.TOPS.org.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 to report incidents. okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com.

STORY TIME: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy stories and activities, and make a simple craft.

CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO: Quarterly games 4:30-6 p.m.; regular games 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday at 701 James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

BAKER GARDEN CLUB: 10 a.m. first Tuesdays September through May at different locations. Liz Davis, 537-4512.

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP: 1 p.m. first Tuesdays, Wellness Center at Twin Cities Hospital, Niceville. A Registered Nurse is present, and meetings include details of specialty care and product innovations that may be helpful. Details: 389-7071.

CARVER-HILL MEMORIAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 5:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

OPEN MIC POETRY AT THE LIBRARY: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Free event. Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us; Rick Sanders, 585-6399. Read poetry or play music. http://cvwlibrary.tumblr.com/.

SHOAL RIVER REPUBLICAN CLUB: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays of each month at Hideaway Pizza in downtown Crestview. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.

CRESTVIEW TOASTMASTERS: 6-7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Greater Federation of Women's Club building, 150 Woodlawn Drive, Crestview. Visitors are welcome. Details: Kathy Morrow, 974-3662.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 395: 5:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, Carver-Hill Museum, 895 S. McClelland St., Crestview. Cmdr. Raymond Nelson, 420-0706.

NORTH OKALOOSA PATRIOTS: 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, 150 N. Woodlawn Blvd., Crestview. www.panhandlepatriots.com.

WEDNESDAYS

CRESTVIEW KIWANIS CLUB: 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

KNITTING GROUP: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Casbah Coffee Company, 196 Pine Ave. W, Crestview.

PANHANDLE SADDLE CLUB: 6 p.m. first Wednesdays, David’s Catfish House, 1296 N. Ferdon Blvd. Crestview. Includes socializing, dinner and a meeting. November topic: how to keep your horse healthy. Details: Donna Curry, 830-6403 or donna@embarqmail.com.

SONS OF ITALY, CRESTVIEW CHAPTER 2865: 6 p.m. third Wednesdays, Foxwood Country Club, Antioch Road. All people of American-Italian heritage may join. Group president Thomas Hughes, 682-3597, thomasjhughessr@hotmail.com.

THURSDAYS

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m. Thursdays, Crosspoint, in portable 2, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview. For people grieving the death of a loved one or other losses. 678-4411 extension 109.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, 704 E. Robinson Ave., Crestview. 689-1842.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 or email okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com to report incidents.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING: 7 a.m. first Thursdays, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CRESTVIEW: 5:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

FLYING NEEDLES QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Thursdays at Niceville Church of Christ. Visitors and quilters are welcome.

CRESTVIEW PHOTO CLUB: 6:30-8:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Northwest Florida State College Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center, room 306, 805 U.S. Highway 90 E., Crestview.

NORTH OKALOOSA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Call 398-7524 for details.

MAINSTREET CRESTVIEW ASSOCIATION: 8 a.m. third Thursdays, FAMU College of Pharmacy in downtown Crestview. Group improves and promotes Main Street and Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency businesses.

CRESTVIEW EXCHANGE CLUB: fourth Thursdays, Covenant Hospice, Crestview. Sharlene Cox, 682-6824.

FRIDAYS

TEEN WII: 2-4 p.m. Fridays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Wii playing for students in sixth through 12th grades.

STEAK NIGHT: 6 p.m. first Fridays. American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Cost: $15 per person; includes T-bone steak, baked potato, salad, bread and dessert. 689-3195.

SATURDAYS

TEEN WII: 2-4 p.m. Fridays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Wii playing for students in sixth through 12th grades.

ADULT/FAMILY NIGHT: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or just fellowship.

KARAOKE: 8 p.m. Saturdays, American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. 689-3195.

READ TO DOZER: 10-11 a.m. first Saturdays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. For children ages 4 and up.

BOBBIN LACE GROUP: 11 a.m. first Saturdays, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Anyone may attend to inquire about the craft. 678-2615.

GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION: 9 a.m. to eat and 10 a.m. meeting third Saturdays of the month, Ryan's restaurant, Crestview. Dwayne Hopkins, 217-1001. All motorcyclists are welcome.

VFW HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT: 12 p.m. third Saturdays, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450, 2240 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Lynn Mobley, 682-5552.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County clubs and organizations

Books are weird. I’ll be one of the first to admit it. Our collective fascination with encapsulating our thoughts into words, printing them on tree slivers, and then sharing, analyzing, gushing, blogging, ranting, or raving about them is, frankly, a bizarre ritual of the human race. And yet.

Perhaps you read Madeliene L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time for the first time and find it to be washed up tripe, so much so that you barely bat an eye when you accidentally splatter a bit of murky, lukewarm decaf in the corner of a page. Perhaps the librarian won’t notice it when you turn it back in (we will.)

And yet, the next patron to borrow the book from the library is utterly enraptured by the novel. Each page is a newly unearthed precious artifact, a treasure to cradle under the halo of light from the reading lamp. Each twist and turn of the plot inspires and drives, so much so that said patron barely registers the decaf stain. He can’t wait to return it and ask for further recommendations. Maybe he’ll download the mp3 audiobook while he’s at it, or the graphic novel version, and get tickets to take his kids to see it in theaters.

Maybe the next patron after him will adore it. Maybe she’ll hate it. Maybe she’ll find it, as I do, to be just "meh." Nevertheless, across a strangely woven bridge through time, they were all unified in the passing of a story.

And yet, indeed. My point is this: we share one world, we share the great unifiers of birth, life, and death. But we cannot ignore a subtler tie that binds us together: we all have stories.

In a time when our divisions are poignantly and violently apparent, and the only thing we may share with our neighbor is a fear of the future, libraries and their hallowed stories are more necessary than ever to bring people together.

So here’s the plug: library cards are free for Okaloosa residents, and we literally have thousands of options between books, movies, audiobooks, and digital formats. Come and borrow a story with a potential coffee stain. Maybe you’ll love it, maybe you’ll loathe it.

And yet, you’ll be sharing in something far bigger than any of us can even imagine.

Emily Knie is the Crestview Public Library's adult services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Books are a unifier

Spring has sprung, and it is time to get outside and explore this great Florida Panhandle area.

In neighboring Santa Rosa County, a terrific destination for a variety of outdoor activities is Blackwater River State Park. Visitors can canoe, kayak, tube, fish and swim the river.

Hikers can enjoy trails through nearly 600 acres of undisturbed natural communities. Bring a picnic and hang out at one of several pavilions or white sand beaches that dot the river (restroom facilities available). Near the pavilions, stop and see one of the largest and oldest Atlantic white cedars, recognized as a Florida Champion tree in 1982.

The park also offers 30 campsites for tents and RVs. Park entry is $4 per car, payable at the ranger station or via the honor system (bring exact change, please).

The Blackwater River is considered one of the purest and pristine sand-bottom rivers in the world. The water is tea-colored from tannins and organic matter that color the water as it weaves through the predominantly pine forest. The river is shallow with a beautiful white sandy bottom, a nice feature for those tubing or paddling the trail.

The river flows for over 50 miles and is designated as a Florida canoe trail. Multiple small sand beach areas line the river and provide plenty of space to hang out, picnic, or throw a Frisbee.

Blackwater eventually flows into Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, bringing high quality fresh water into this important estuary.

A favorite trail in the park is the Chain of Lakes Nature Trail. Parking for this 1.75-mile loop trail is at South Bridge on Deaton Bridge Road. The trail head is well marked and has a boardwalk that leads into the floodplain forest. The trail winds through a chain of shallow oxbow lakes and swamp that dot the former route of the river.

If you are lucky and it is a clear, blue-sky day, you may see a beautiful rainbow effect as the sun hits the water. We call this the pastel swamp rainbow effect. This is a result of the natural oils from the cypress cones settling on the surface of the water and associated trapped pollen.

The trail then turns to sneak through the sandhill community in the park with giant longleaf pines, wiregrass and turkey oak. Evidence of prescribed burning shows management efforts to maintain the forest. Cinnamon ferns, bamboo and other native plants appear in pockets along the trail. The trail in this section is blanketed with a mosaic of exposed root systems, so be careful as you step. Finally, pack some bug spray and a water bottle for this fun hike.

Visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Blackwater-River for more information.

Laura Tiu is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: An introduction to Blackwater River State Park

CRESTVIEW — U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Taylor L. Carlisle graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Carlisle is the son of John and Tracy Carlisle of Milton, and husband of Lindsay Carlisle of Baker.

He is a 2013 graduate of Baker School, Baker. He earned an associate degree in 2016 from the University of West Florida, Pensacola.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Carlisle graduates from basic military training

As some are aware, this column that I call, “Southern Perspective,” is in its 11th year. I must admit that when I began writing for the local newspapers in 2007 I never expected to be still writing it in 2018. Some might say, “Why Not?” didn’t you think politics and national issues would be as serious in 2018 as in the midst of the recession of the Bush administration back in 2007? In truth, back then I didn’t think that far ahead. It was enough to pick up the newspaper each day and find the subject of tomorrow’s commentary.

I teach a Sunday school class each week and about once a month I bring in a substitute. I am convinced my people need some relief from time to time. I have felt that way about the column, though there continues to be no dearth of subjects that seem to need commentary.

This time, it is me who needs some relief. I am going to take a vacation from writing for a while. That is not because I am tired and need to rest. Instead, my wife has developed some medical problems that are dominating our lives right now. We are going to focus totally on getting her well and back on her feet. Writing occupies my mind every day and I need to use my mental energy on more important things. Any prayers you can send our way will be greatly appreciated.

Will I be back down the road? I anticipate that I will, that is if the local newspaper and GateHouse Media syndication will have me. My best thought for you is to keep reading your newspaper. In these troubled times, it is still the best source of in-depth news available.

Until we meet again, I sincerely wish you well.

Dr. Mark L. Hopkins writes for More Content Now and the Anderson Independent-Mail in South Carolina. He is past president of colleges and universities in four states. Contact him at presnet@presnet.net.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: We all need some time off

CRESTVIEW — The city is one step closer to building a new shooting range for the police department, but not everyone is happy with the proposed location.

The city council unanimously voted to annex a 100-acre area of land between Arena Road and Raspberry Road at its April 9 meeting. The city already owned the land prior to the meeting, but was still under county jurisdiction.

A section of the newly-annexed property is being set aside for a proposed shooting range for the Crestview Police Department.

Mark Anderson lives next to the area being proposed for the shooting range. He made a scheduled presentation to the city council on behalf of several of his neighbors after the annexation vote.

He claimed a shooting range would pose safety concerns for his family, lower their quality of life due to noise concerns, and drive down property values in the area.

“None of us are very happy with it,” Anderson said

Police Chief Tony Taylor addressed those concerns, stating that the range would not be open to the public and therefore will not be in use every day. He also said the department will be installing 24-foot protective berms to prevent property damage, four feet taller than the 20-foot requirement.

Taylor said that the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has a range nearby that has not generated any noise complaints. That facility is located on Grimes Avenue near the Ferdon Heights neighborhood.

City councilman Doug Faircloth talked about the difficulty in trying to build an outdoor shooting range in a location that does not disturb anyone.

“I live probably three miles from (the sheriff’s department shooting range) at least, maybe farther,” Faircloth said. “I can sit on my patio and hear every shot fired. It’s going to be difficult to put a firing range in a place where nobody can hear.”

Anderson also said that the police department started clearing the land in late February, and that he and neighbors were not notified in advance.

“Nobody came out and discussed it,” Anderson said. “Nobody came out to speak to us until after everything was in the works. I don’t believe that’s very transparent.”

Faircloth questioned police commander Andrew Schneider, who was providing the council more information on the berms and noise reduction measures, as to whether the property owners were notified.

“When I toured the property, I was told that the neighbors had been checked with, advised what was going on out there and really didn’t have any objections,” Faircloth said.

Schneider said that was the case.

Anderson, however, disagreed with the claim that the property owners had been notified.

“I see how we’re spinning around a few things,” Anderson said. “The land owners were not notified, as was said right here. I was not notified. I’m not going to call anyone a liar, but I was not notified.”

Wayne Steele, director of public services for the city, attempted to clear up any confusion on the issue.

“We had not reached the process for public notification yet. That’s the reason that ball was dropped,” Steele said. “We didn’t intend for someone to go out there and start clearing the property yet.”

Steele explained that the city had not yet annexed the property, and therefore it was not in city jurisdiction. Chief Taylor had received permission from Okaloosa County to begin clearing the site.

“I think it’s just a little misunderstanding on everyone’s part,” Steele said. “We didn’t intend to upset the property owners with our process of trying to provide a shooting range for the police department. We were just going forth in good faith thinking we were accomplishing a much-needed project.”

Anderson raised the prospect of moving the proposed location to a nearby wastewater spray field. That location is already owned by the city and lies within the city limits.

Steele could not say whether it would be possible to build the shooting range on that site, noting that there could be issues with building the range so close to a proposed western bypass around the city.

“There’s not a good location that the city already has, that we already own property, for a desirable location … that I can think of,” Steele said.

Mayor David Cadle suggested a further meeting with city officials to look at other potential sites. The council agreed that more discussion was needed and all work on the current site would be put on hold until further notice.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Council reconsidering proposed shooting range site